Six Chukkers of Love is more than Clark Hetherington's autobiography. It is a first-hand account of the history of polo in the United States post World War II. Clark knew all of the movers and shakers, great players and sundry characters that were responsible for polos growth and development. His book is filled with wonderful stories of these individuals and their enthusiasm for the sport. These pages portray not only his love of polo and his important role in its growth but also the influential roles played by each of many other individuals. At the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame part of our mission is to preserve, record, and archive the history and tradition of polo. Much of what Clark has written in these pages are anecdotes of personal experiences no where else previously documented. The anecdotes and stories convey what all of us who live the sport know to be the true flavor of its tradition. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the author for preserving this history. Six Chukkers of Love is another chapter in Clark Hetherington's dedicated service to the sport of polo. In 2004, the National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame recognized his lifetime contributions with the Iglehart Award. Some of these contributions are briefly outlined on the plaque in his honor at the Museum as follows: He spent a lifetime dedicated to polo. An avid player since age 7. He later captained the Oklahoma University team. He started Broad Acres Polo Club in 1954 and served four years as USPA circuit governor. At his own expense, he produced educational films such as Charlie Chukker and an umpire training presentation. Clark has been called by many, "The father of professional umpiring." He tirelessly promoted a uniform standard for all umpires to the USPA and to clubs around the country. After his appointment as USPA chief umpire, he developed umpire training programs and conducted numerous clinics across the nation, furnishing horses and equipment. More than 250 polo players, including several Hall of Fame inductees, claim Hetherington as their mentor. I know the many friends Clark has made over the years on the polo field will enjoy reading through these pages. Undoubtedly, they will arouse in each reader treasured memories of polo fun. For me and countless others in the sport, his career has been a wonderful influence and example. Stephen Orthwein Chairman National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame

Originally published in 1882. An early guide to the history and use of harness for riding, driving and horse drawn carriages. Includes remarks on the traction, and the use of the Cape cart. Also contains important directions to Grooms and Coachmen regarding their duties and their dress. Numerous hints on driving. Well illustrated with explanatory drawings. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

"Filled with delicious rodeo tidbits. Stratton's the perfect tour guide, a natural-born storyteller whose prose is as lean as a cowboy and as poetic as a sunset, rendered with a delight and wonder that are downright infectious."--"The Boston Globe" Rodeo has grown into an international, prime-time television sport. Steeped in tradition and Western spirit, it calls aspiring cowboys and cowgirls to its rough-and-tumble fame as they repeatedly risk their lives for eight seconds of triumph. In "Chasing the Rodeo," Kip Stratton takes us into the addictive core of rodeo, bull riding, and the circuit. Immersed in this world, he collides with the specter of his "rodeo bum" father, finding part of the cowboy dream that was his father's legacy. "Chasing the Rodeo" is a tribute to the famed characters of the old West and a riveting look at the superstars of the new. And best of all, it's one bucking, riveting, glorious ride.
"If you love the sound of the bell, the thud of hooves, and the sight of a twisting ton-and-a-half bovine, round up a copy of this book. "Chasing the Rodeo" is a mighty fine book for any cowpoke."--"St. Louis Post-Dispatch"
W. K. (Kip) Stratton is a native of the Southwest. His journalism has appeared in "GQ, Sports Illustrated, Outside, Southern Magazine," and the "Dallas Morning News." He lives in Austin, Texas.

Originally published in France 1854 then translated into English in 1919 by John Swire. The author's methods are simple and practical. He treats a horse like a human being he maintains that the rider can only influence his mount by placing it in such a position that the movement desired is the only possible one, and then stimulating it the placing being made easy by specially graduated exercises which supple the horse's will as well as his muscles. Contents Include: New method of giving the Rider a good Seat. Control and Distribution of Energy. The Suppling Exercises. Suppling the Hindquarters. The Use of the Horse's Energy by the Rider. Concentration of the Horse's Energy by the Rider. The Canter. Jumping. The Piaffer. Scheme of Work. A Concise Explanation of the Method by means of Question and Answer. . Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

"How Horses Learn" covers the basic concepts in learning psychology with emphasis on the unique learning characteristics of the horse. The author provides a through scientific review of much of the information known about learning in horses, then applies this information to specific training situations.

1829. Contents: Nomenclature; Exercise of field Artillery; School of the Gunner; School of the Piece; School of the Battery; Evolution of Batteries.

A unique insight into the equine mind plus ideas and practial excercises to help you achieve a better understanding with your horse.

Learn to ride correctly, safely, and confidently
In this breakthrough guide, renowned riding expert Gincy Self Bucklin offers adult riders a unique, proven method for developing a good physical, mental, and emotional relationship with a horse. Whether you're a beginner, a more experienced rider looking to enhance your skills, or someone who used to ride but is reluctant to try again, Bucklin's step-by-step exercises-slowly and carefully practiced first on the ground and then on your horse-will have you riding with confidence and without fear. You'll build a safe and caring partnership with your horse as you:
* Understand how your actions affect your horse
* Improve your form, release tensions, and find balance
* Communicate with your horse to gain his trust
* Stay in charge without being controlling
* Observe your horse's responses and learn from them
* Increase your horse's comfort-both physically and psychologically

""If you' ve ever said to yourself, 'Why can' t I . . . ?, ' you' ll find the answer here to why you can' t, and exactly how to solve the problem. Whatever your level, you'll gain greater understanding and become a better rider and horseman from reading this book.""
-George H. Morris, internationally renowned clinician, USEF Show Jumping vice-president, ARIA master instructor, and member of the U. S. Equestrian Federation Board of Directors
""How Your Horse Wants You To Ride is chock full of innovative and practical tools presented in a thoroughly entertaining style. A delightful read for riders at all levels ""
-Jane Savoie, olympic alternate and author of That Winning Feeling , Cross Train Your Horse, More Cross Training, and It's Not Just About the Ribbons

Combining humorous and serious real-life events and the author's everyday observations and memories,

Rodeo is a cornerstone of the Western experience and this book is an invaluable chronicle of one of the veterans of that tradition. The Sheridan-Wyo-Rodeo's span of the better part of the 20th century and continuation into the 21st is documented here by author and Rodeo Board member Tom Ringley with complete details of its conception, birth and its growth into a nationally respected professional event. This is the rich history of the organizers, the participants and spectators and the community which supports this treasure of the West. With its accompanying appendices of the Champions, Queens, Rodeo Boards and Stock Transactions this book offers the true story of the trials and tribulations, the triumphs and successes of a formidable undertaking which began in 1931 and continues today.

Listen to and communicate with your horse-successfully
""This is a book for everyone who has ever looked at the constantly increasing list of methods and systems marketed as 'horsemanship' and wondered which of the many possible approaches would be most suitable for a particular behavior problem. Gincy Bucklin has distilled her many years of experience with horses and riders into a very useful, step-by-step, hands-on book. Bucklin's writing is smooth and easy to read, and no matter where you open this book, you'll find that her deep respect and affection for both equines and humans shines through.""
-Dr. Jessica Jahiel, author of Riding for the Rest of Us
""Gincy Bucklin uses her decades-long experience with horses to answer that most frequently asked question: 'Why did my horse do that?' And she comes up with creative solutions that weave together traditional horse handling with the best of modern horse training, including my own personal favorite, clicker training.""
-Alexandra Kurland, author of Clicker Training for Your Horse and The Click That Teaches video lesson series
It takes time for a horse to learn everything we want him to know. If we don't make our intentions clear to him in ways that he can understand, or if we don't listen to what he wants, problems may result. Featuring easy-to-follow, step-by-step advice, What Your Horse Wants You to Know reveals how to communicate effectively with your horse to create an atmosphere of mutual cooperation.
What Your Horse Wants You to Know focuses on improving your horse's behavior on the ground, so you can develop relationship and communications skills without the more challenging problems that arise once you're on his back.
* Use your entire body to communicate with your horse
* Show your horse that you respect his needs and feelings
* Be patient and consistent with your horse while having fun
* Understand your horse's fears and overcome them
* Respond appropriately to physiological or nutritional problems
* Use praise to make your horse feel confident and successful

A Study Guide for new horseback riders and instructors, presented in a fundamental but entertaining format. Your horses will thank you!

Comprehensive and entertaining guidebook describes how a well-turned out carriage should look and be handled. Wealth of information about horses, harnesses, coaches, stables and liveries, plus "suggestions to the inexperienced." Over 100 captioned period photographs of coachmen, carts, gigs, phaetons, landaus, runabouts, much more.

"Thought-provoking.... A lovely testament to horses and women from all walks of life."—Karen Stone, Chicago Tribune

In a phenomenon too prevalent to be mere chance, little girls all over the Western world wake one day to find themselves completely taken over by the love of all things equine. Melissa Holbrook Pierson was one of those horse-crazy girls who later returned to riding with a new appreciation for the nature of horses. Melding memoir, sociology, history, anecdote, and a bit of prose poetry, Dark Horses and Black Beauties delves beneath the shallow hypotheses explaining women's connection to horses to look at how this communication with another animal opens us up to a new apprehension of the larger "natural" world.

"A fearless book: unflinching, honest, and kind."—Village Voice

"The play of her mind...is subtle and quick; coltish, one wants to say, and one would be right."—The New York Times, Richard Bernstein

"So beautifully written that it instantly captivates."—Newark Star-Ledger

"She muses to deep and lyrical effect in her new collection of slender and delicate essays on horses and women."—Richard Bernstein, The New York Times

"A meditation intended to dispel those tiresome Freudian theories aimed at the universal fascination women seem to have with horses."—The New York Times Book Review, Jillian Dunham

"A fearless book: unflinching, earnest, and kind."—Village Voice, Emily Jenkins

"This is a poignant, charming, and realistic book."—Maxine Kumin

"Whoever likes animals will love this book, and better yet, whoever seeks to fathom the mysterious relationships between ourselves and other species will be transported."—Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Hidden Life of Dogs

"As passionate as it is informative....Rich in history, romance, and charm, Pierson's devotion to horses is always engaging, and most of all, moving."—Brenda Peterson, co-editor of Intimate Nature: The Bond Between Women and Animals

"Pierson's...writing...is well suited to her subject, containing bits of breathless enthusiasm one moment and peaceful contemplation the next."—Publishers Weekly

What started as an exhibition to entertain audiences has turned into the most popular-and dangerous-event in rodeo: bull riding. When a 150-pound man attempts to ride a two-ton bull with a killer instinct, it's not a matter of whether the rider will get injured, but when, and how badly. As cowboy Jim Shoulders says, "You can't stop something like an injury from hurtin', but you can damn well not let it bother you." What motivates riders to devote themselves to this challenging sport? Find out in Austinite Gail Woerner's newest book, which covers bull riding from its beginning into the new millennium.

Within riding there exists a fundamental conflict of interest: The rider needs to have control - their confidence depends on their ability to control the balance of their own body as well as that of their very powerful horse. The horse, by nature, needs to feel free-free in both mind and body to express himself through physical movement. In this book, author Beth Baumert, writer and editor at the internationally recognised equestrian magazine Dressage Today, resolves this conflict by taking a close look at the individual components that make up riding and dressage. Beth provides insight gleaned from years of working with the best riders, trainers, and judges in the dressage world, and details practical ways riders can learn to harness the balance, energies, and forces at play when they're in the saddle. Readers will discover how to use 'positive tension' and what the author calls the four physical 'Powerlines' - Vertical, Connecting, Spiralling, and Visual - to become balanced and effective in the saddle. Readers will then find ways to understand and manage the horse's balance and coordination challenges, including the fact that he is inherently crooked and naturally inclined to do too much with his front end and not enough with his hind. Ultimately, the rider learns to regulate and monitor the horse's rhythm, energy, flexion, alignment, bend, the height and length of his neck, and, finally, his line of travel by properly aligning their spine with his. When the centre of gravity of a balanced rider is directly over the centre of gravity of a balanced horse, that place where two spines align becomes the hub for rider and horse harmony - a dynamic and remarkable riding rapport that yields beautiful performance.

Once infected with the mushing virus, there is no cure -- there is only the trail" Don Bowers learned the truth of these words as he lived his dream of running Alaska's grueling 1,100-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. With no mushing experience and little money, but with a spirit of adventure and support from friends, he started from scratch to put together a team. Over the next two years, he discovered that becoming a serious musher is not to be undertaken by the faint of heart, or by those who cannot learn to laugh at themselves and keep going in the face of daunting difficulties and dangers. By the time he eventually pulled under the famous burled arch at the end of Front Street in Nome, his perspective on life had been changed forever by his dogs and by the staggering scope and intensity of the Iditarod. This is Everyman's Iditarod, a tribute to the dedicated dreamers and their dogs who run to Nome in back of the pack with no hope of prize money or glory. This is truly "the rest of the story" of the Last Great Race on Earth.

Christoph Hess, a Federation Equestre International (FEI) "I" Judge in both dressage and eventing, is highly respected around the world as a teacher of riding and the development of the horse according to classical principles. Here he collects some of his very best riding and training tips along with well-honed insight related to the topics that he finds most often challenge equestrians and their equine partners. Ride Better with Christoph Hess provides thoughtful, easy-to-apply advice when dealing with issues with the gaits, in particular the walk and canter; high-headedness or the horse that is "too light" in the poll; inconsistency of performance; leaning on the bit; falling out; lack of straightness; and much more. In addition, Hess breaks out particular skills and movements that often need specialized attention when in the dressage or jumping ring, and when going cross-country. Throughout Hess emphasizes that a rider must always strive to improve, for the simple reason that you can always do better for your horse. While competitive and training goals do, of course, bring a certain satisfaction, it is having an equine partner who is contented in his work and happy in your company that rewards most. This lesson, and all Hess's tips and solutions, are invaluable to equestrians of every level - everyone can walk away from this book a better rider.